Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) - Deficiency Risk and Symptoms

Nutrient Name

Vitamin B5 - otherwise known as Pantothenic Acid. Its name originates from the Greek word ‘pantos’, meaning ‘everywhere’, as it can be found in all living cells.

Potential for deficiency

Uncommon

Groups at risk of deficiency are alcoholics, women on oral contraceptives, the elderly, and people with impaired absorption due to certain digestive disorders.

What does Vitamin B5 do?

Like all of the 8 B vitamins, niacin plays a role in converting carbohydrates into glucose, metabolising fats and proteins, and keeping the nervous system working properly. B-complex vitamins are needed for a healthy liver, healthy skin, hair, and eyes, and to help the nervous system function properly. Pantothenic Acid also helps the body make sex and stress-related hormones. It also helps improves circulation and cholesterol levels.

Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) is a water-soluble vitamin and as such, it is unlikely to reach toxic levels. There is little danger of Vitamin B5 toxicity when it is taken orally. Very high doses may cause diarrhoea and may potentially increase the risk of bleeding.

Symptoms of deficiency

1 Comment

Wednesday October 11, 2017 at 4:37am by Elaine

Taking pantothenic acid 500 mg. on a daily basis has alleviated my symptoms of burning foot syndrome . There was a certain brand however which didn't work , and must not have contained a regulated dosage . As soon as I resumed my original Trophic, my symptoms disappeared again ,